In a significant development in the Malayalam film industry, directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza were arrested early Sunday morning for possession of hybrid ganja. The Excise Department conducted a raid at an apartment near the Goshree Bridge in Kochi, apprehending the directors along with a third individual, Shalif Mohammed, around 2 a.m. on April 27, 2025.
During the operation, authorities seized approximately 1.6 grams of hybrid ganja from the flat, which reportedly belongs to cinematographer Sameer Thahir. Following their arrest, the trio was granted station bail a few hours later, highlighting the ongoing issues of drug use within the film community.
The Excise Department’s raid was prompted by confidential information regarding drug activities in the area. According to an Excise officer, the three individuals were caught preparing to consume the ganja. "We nabbed them from flat 506 of Purva Grandbay in Kochi. When we raided the flat, they were preparing to consume the ganja. After interrogating them, we confirmed that the three persons had been using ganja for a long time," the officer stated.
Khalid Rahman is known for directing popular films such as Anuraga Karikkinvellam, Unda, and the recently released Alappuzha Gymkhana, which has received positive reviews and performed well at the box office. Ashraf Hamza, on the other hand, has directed films including Thamaasha and Bheemannte Vazhi, and was also a co-writer for Thallumaala.
This incident comes at a time when the Malayalam film industry has been under scrutiny for alleged drug use among its personalities. Just days prior, actor Shine Tom Chacko was also embroiled in a narcotics case, having been arrested after fleeing from a hotel during a narcotics raid. Chacko was released on station bail shortly after his arrest.
In connection with the ongoing investigations, the Excise Department has issued notices to other actors, including Sreenath Bhasi, directing them to appear for questioning regarding their involvement in the drug-related activities. This increased attention on drug use within the industry has raised concerns among fans and stakeholders alike.
Excise officials have indicated that they are committed to investigating the source of the hybrid ganja and any potential networks involved in its distribution. The case against Rahman, Hamza, and Mohammed has been registered under sections 20(b)(II) A and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, which outlines strict penalties for drug possession and use.
As the investigation unfolds, the directors' legal troubles may impact their careers and the broader perception of the Malayalam film industry. While Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza have been celebrated for their contributions to cinema, their recent arrest serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the industry.
With the public increasingly concerned about substance abuse in the entertainment sector, the Excise Department's actions reflect a broader effort to address illegal drug activities. The repercussions of this incident may resonate throughout the industry, prompting discussions about drug culture and its implications for artists and audiences alike.
As the story develops, it remains to be seen how these events will influence the careers of Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza, both of whom have made significant contributions to Malayalam cinema. Will this incident tarnish their reputations, or will they manage to navigate these troubled waters and continue their successful filmmaking careers? Only time will tell.
